Respect = DISrespect!!

The thing is, there is no way to respect each other's religious beliefs in this situation. One of you will have to "give in", no matter how unacceptable that might be. But that is exactly what will have to happen here. One of you will have to capitulate your beliefs "for the common good". This is a common problem when people of different religions (or cultures) marry. It usually goes fine if the two people are willing to respect each other's beliefs and practices. However, it almost always causes problems when it comes to the kids. That's because there is a huge difference between simply acknowledging the differences in the two religions and promoting them. As a Christian, I'm guessing your husband sees a ouija board as a tool of evil. As a Witch, I'm guessing you see it as a tool that can be used for good or evil, so if you're kids don't use it for evil intent, what's the problem? So how do you "respect" each other's beliefs here... without showing some degree of disrespect? Like I said above, you really can't. But for the sake of the marriage, one of you will have to just accept the outcome... and hold your tongue. Good luck on that!

Obviously your husband never took your"religion" seriously. You say he is Christian, does he attend regular services? In what ways does he practice his faith? What about you? Don't take this the wrong way, but I doubt either of you is very religious or this matter would have been settled long ago. You have three kids; most people who follow a particular belief indoctrinate their children in it. If the parents are of two faiths, they generally discuss this issue before they reproduce or at least by the time they find out they are expecting the first time around. It was obviously not that important to either one of you at the time so why make an issue of it now? If you have raised your children to know right from wrong and respect others there should be no problem with them exploring ideas about religion and other philosophies. That is after all what life is. All children are curious and almost all children are attracted to Ouija boards and anything they find magical because they are still young enough to believe in magic. Your husband should have the presence of mind to see this stage of curiosity in your children for what it is and let them be who they are. Again, if this were so important to him, he would have been taking them to Sunday School every week. And even if he had done so, he should have strong enough faith in his own belief not to worry about your kids being corrupted by a ouija board. You are taking this personally and it isn't personal.

n the face of it, he is disrespecting your beliefs and his agreement prior to your marriage but there are some other considerations. What is your current practices? Do you perform rituals and other ordinances of your belief system at home? If not then his objection is not disrespecting your beliefs but only an objection to their practice within the house. Secondly, you should have discussed the matter with your husband before saying the kids could get one. all the best urban

So does this mean that you have never practiced divination in the home? I find that hard to believe if you are as you say you are a witch that you have never used some form of it. Maybe it was just a bad day for him or maybe you could make a compromise. Ouija boards are not a toy as most people think. There should be a happy medium (no pun intended) that you can both live with.

Wow when I read that you were two different religions, I was thinking about different denominations or sects, but wow those are very different religions. I imagine it's got to be tough. Sorry, I don't really have an advice to give you. Honestly I don't think I could be in a relationship with someone whos views differed that much from mine. I can understand why he would be so against the Ouija. There are a lot of stories and a lot of stigma and many people actually fear it. Perhaps your husband is one of these people, even if he didn't say so. Then again, maybe not. I don't know. At any rate, I'm not saying he is right or wrong in the argument; I'm just saying that both of you need to know where the other one is coming from, so that maybe you can find a way to compromise. Perhaps you could work it out that they not get one right now, but in the future. Maybe this way he will have some time to get used to the idea and be able to feel more comfortable with the idea.

greetings! wow, that is a very difficult home situation. i can sense the tension in your house right now. by the way, how do you practice your religion in the house? and what does he say about them? the way he reacted, it seems like it's the first time he encountered it in your home?

I think he needs to respect your religion because he knew from the beginning that you were a witch. He had said had accepted that. And with that acceptance, he can not forbid there be a spirit board in the house. However... You may need to respect his religion and not allow the kids to use the spirit board until he accepts that is what they would like to learn more about. It is normal in a family of two differing religions for the children to want to learn about both. But given that religion is so sensitive a subject, each of you to be willing to allow them that freedom. I know you have allowed them to attend church. Maybe you should find a way of explaining that to him and allow the kids the freedom to chose.

No nookie tonight... Hmmm? How do you deal with a house divided? The voice of reason must prevail, so how to bring about a reasoned voice from your spouse... Get back to me on this one, I'm not sure that I am the one with the correct answer. I look at my life past, I look to my life forward, My present is absent there is no gift. repeat :|| Maybe in not having the answer I have given an answer unwittingly, how does one talk to their spouse? Not just words alone, I'm sure your anger was noted and that he knows of his agreement in the past, he might conveniently be forgetting his vow, be that as it may, it is not an excuse. My ex is an ex because she disrespected my beliefs, she made me think that she would follow my lead, but she did everything independent of my participation. My input was not required. I think a discussion with him and bringing him on board might have yielded better results. The spiritual is a connection to GOD, your husband doesn't seek to understand the spiritual which is his basic belief system in as much. GOD is in the Spirit. I'm not sure that I am helping, but maybe something to consider. Good luck, Blessed Be, Sincerely, Gary

Maybe it would have been wise to have waited until he got home to discuss it with him first before giving the kids a decision. Maybe it should have been a decision you both came to together. Wouldn't you have been upset if he had made the decision without your input? You say, "it finally came down to the fact that they were against his religious beliefs". You mean the children are leaning towards your religion instead of his? And isn't it a bit of a concern that they may invite a bad spirit into the house?

Hey wtl~ I guess at some point this was bound to be an issue. I don't think that anyon.e can answer this except you and your husband. I believe "in things that are of the "Witch" type", but am not here or there to make a proper committment. I had a Ouija Board when I was young and got rid of it because it scared the sh!t out of me! Don't know if it was "for real" or just "playing games with us" but I wasn't ready to deal with "it" and the rest of the crap in my life at the time. I honestly am still not sure about "them" and whether to "believe" that they "work" or not. I am still "exploring" my religious issues to see if I really am a "Real Witch" or not. My Mom always thought I was one, for many reasons and so do I, but I need more proof. Maybe we can speak in private and I can tell you some things I need clarification on... opal2626@yahoo.com I really need some answers before it's too late...

You are certainly in a trying situation. Me and my b/f have very different belief systems too and respect for one another is very important where this is concerned for sure. I have no problem listening to certain opinions he has about this or that but things can become rather heated pretty quick if he steps over the line with me. I know that you were hurt by this and I'm sure that you have worked things out by now, but if it were me and there were children to be raised together..a serious discussion of do's and don't's for one another might be in order. Not so much as far as you or him are religiously concerned, but just a rundown of things that would make you or him feel hurt or uncomfortable. We should feel comfortable and unguarded in our homes.

Hello wonttakelong, He's an idiot and a Christian Hypocrite as far as my opinion is concern! being christian they should love and support those who are non christians and should there be a valid reason why that board shouldn't be allowed. In the Philippines, Witchcraft is a weapon too that can help clients take revenge on criminals or bad people they have actually hurt them. except a child though, your husband should use it as an advantage in terms of protecting you're family.of course, it's gonna hurt his pride since he ain't nothing to do but pray.

Your choices are to let him decide your children will practice Christianity and only Christianity, or to fight. I think you should remind him that he said that he had no problem with your religion and ask if he bore a true witness or not.